GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In celebration of Lucasfilm’s highly anticipated film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disney Consumer Products and Bloomingdale's are joining forces with an illustrious group of designers in a new fashion-meets-fundraising initiative, “Force 4 Fashion.” Taking inspiration from the film’s costume designer, Michael Kaplan, fashion favorites Cynthia Rowley, Diane von Furstenberg, Giles Deacon, Halston, Opening Ceremony, Ovadia & Sons, Parker, Rag & Bone, Timo Weiland and Todd Snyder are each creating an outfit to be auctioned for charity that pays homage to characters from the new movie.
“This collaboration celebrates the distinctive synergy between film and fashion in the run up to an exceptional moment in the history of pop culture. We’re excited to see how this incredible lineup of designers interprets Star Wars characters in unique ways, as well as to raise money for a great cause,” said Leslie Ferraro, Co-Chair, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and President, Disney Consumer Products.
The designers’ looks will be revealed at a “Force 4 Fashion” launch event, presented by Kay Jewelers, in New York City on December 2nd before going on display in Bloomingdale’s NYC flagship windows the following day. Outfits will then be auctioned off December 2-18 by Bloomingdale’s on CharityBuzz.com, with the proceeds benefiting their holiday charity partner, Child Mind Institute, on behalf of Star Wars: Force For Change – a charitable initiative that empowers people to make a positive impact on the world around them.
Additionally, Michael Kaplan has designed three, limited edition “little brown bag” reusable totes, only available for purchase at Bloomingdale’s during the holiday season starting just before Thanksgiving. The Star Wars-themed totes will be merchandised in pop-up shops featuring various Star Wars-inspired merchandise.
“Bloomingdale’s is thrilled to join forces with such a historic yet continually ground breaking film,” said Anne Keating, Bloomingdale’s Senior Vice President of Public Relations, Special Events and Philanthropy. “We are excited to fuse fashion with pop culture to raise awareness and funds for our long standing partner, Child Mind Institute, which has been a pioneer for children’s mental health.”
In addition to these bespoke fashion collaborations Star Wars fans can find ready-to-wear apparel and accessories at a broad range of retailers.
For more information about “Force 4 Fashion” please visit StarWars.com and follow the social conversation using the hashtag #Force4Fashion.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in U.S. theaters on December 18, 2015.
Globally: “Star Wars: Fashion Finds The Force” Launches in London
Star Wars’ association with British fashion and design will also be celebrated by London-based designers Agi & Sam, Bobby Abley, Christopher Raeburn, J.W. Anderson, Nasir Mazhar, Peter Pilotto, Phoebe English, Preen and Thomas Tait. These 10 designers have also created catwalk looks inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Their designs will be showcased at an extraordinary “Star Wars: Fashion Finds The Force” presentation on November 26th in London, following which they will be available to fans worldwide by online auction at www.starwarsfashion.london with all proceeds donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change initiative.
About Disney Consumer Products
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that delivers innovative and engaging product experiences across thousands of categories from toys and apparel to books and fine art. As the world's largest licensor, DCP inspires the imaginations of people around the world by bringing the magic of Disney into consumers' homes with products they can enjoy year-round. DCP is comprised of three business units: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around five strategic brand priorities: Disney Media, Classics & Entertainment, Disney & Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Princess & Disney Fairies, Lucasfilm and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books, magazines, and apps, igniting imagination through storytelling in ever-inventive ways. DPW creates and publishes books, magazines, eBooks and apps both vertically in-house and through an extensive worldwide licensing structure. DPW is also committed to the educational development of children around the world through Disney Learning, which includes our flagship learning brand, Disney Imagicademy, as well as Disney English and other Disney-themed learning products. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide and is known for providing consumers with high-quality, unique products. Disney Store operates ecommerce channels in nine countries, which can be found here. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products www.DisneyConsumerProducts.com.
About Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale's is America's only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store and a division of Macy's, Inc. It was founded in 1872 and currently operates 38 Bloomingdale’s stores and 13 Bloomingdale’s, The Outlet Stores in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, New Hampshire, California, Texas and Hawaii. In addition, Bloomingdale's has an international presence with a location in Dubai. Be sure to follow @bloomingdales on social media, become a Loyallist, and for more information, or to shop any time, visit www.bloomingdales.com.
About Kay Jewelers
Kay® Jewelers, the number one jewelry store in America, is conveniently located in malls and off-mall shopping centers across the country. Kay® Jewelers is operated by Signet Jewelers Limited, the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry. Signet Jewelers operates Kay® Jewelers among its approximately 3,600 stores. For additional information on Kay® Jewelers visit www.Kay.com, follow us on Facebook® (www.facebook.com/KayJewelers), Twitter® (www.twitter.com/KayJewelers), YouTube (www.youtube.com/KayJewelers), Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/KayJewelers) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/KayJewelers).
STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.
